Full Breakdown
Manhunt for Retired Special Forces Veteran Craig Berry After Shooting of Wife in Dover, Tennessee
5/5/2026, 11:00:53 PM
Shooting and Manhunt for Craig Berry
On the early morning of May 1, 2026, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at 133 Old Paris Highway in Dover, Stewart County, Tennessee. Retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Craig Berry allegedly shot his wife, who fled the home and was taken to a medical facility; her condition has not been disclosed. Berry fled into the surrounding woods before officers arrived and has not been located.
Timeline of Key Developments
- May 1, 1:30 a.m. – Deputies arrived; shooting reported; Berry escaped into woods near River Trace Road.
- May 1, later morning – Wife transported to hospital; Stewart County Sheriff’s Office (SCSSO) obtained a second-degree attempted-murder warrant.
- May 2 – Trail-camera image shows a figure in camouflage near River Trace Road; sheriff’s office says “no idea if he is still in the area.”
- May 3–4 – Search scaled back then intensified; U.S. Marshals join a “very detailed search” of the road network.
- May 5 – Sheriff’s office reiterates possible outside assistance; manhunt enters fourth day.
Law Enforcement Response
The SCSSO issued a second-degree attempted-murder warrant for Berry. Deputies arrived at 1:30 a.m.; Berry fled into woods near River Trace Road. Search expanded to Highway 79, Highway 232 and surrounding forest. Agencies involved include Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, and local law enforcement. Tactics use K9 units, trail-camera analysis, and ground sweeps; residents are urged to lock doors and call 911.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Frankie Gray said Berry is a retired special forces veteran with survival training and may have received outside assistance. Spokesperson Paulette Redman said Berry is an excellent swimmer and diver, armed with at least one handgun and ammunition. Stewart County Schools confirmed the victim is a teacher, said the shooting did not occur on school grounds, offered counseling, and noted no ongoing threat to students or staff.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The wife’s medical condition remains undisclosed across all sources. No confirmed sightings of Berry have been reported since the initial trail-camera image, and authorities have “no information that he is no longer in the area.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are not ruling out the possibility that he has received some outside assistance after the incident.” — Sheriff Frankie Gray, Stewart County Sheriff’s Office
- “excellent swimmer and diver.” — Paulette Redman, SCSSO spokesperson
- “in good physical shape.” — Paulette Redman, SCSSO spokesperson
- “Please know that this incident did not occur on school grounds, and there is no ongoing threat to our schools.” — Stewart County Schools communication
What’s Next
Authorities will continue ground and aerial sweeps of the River Trace Road corridor and adjoining highways. Coordination with federal partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service, remains ongoing. The public is asked to report any sightings or suspicious activity by calling 911.
